Beschreibung:

Combining Citröen's advanced chassis technology and Maserati's engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension, power-assisted all-round disc brakes, self-centring steering and steered headlamps. Citröen had bought Maserati in 1968, principally to acquire the latter's engine technology for its new top-of-the-range Gran Turismo coupé, and the Italian firm responded to the brief with remarkable speed by the simple expedient of chopping two cylinders off its Indy four-cam 90-degree V8 to create the required V6. After some juggling of engine dimensions, a capacity of 2,670cc was settled on for a power output of 170bhp. Citröen was the world leader in passenger car aerodynamics at the time, the SM's class-leading drag coefficient enabling it to reach 140mph, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time. Fuel injection arrived in 1972, an automatic transmission option became available the following year and the engine was enlarged to 2,974cc before the model was prematurely axed in 1975 following Citröen's acquisition by Peugeot. Fondly remembered, these technically advanced and functionally beautiful cars remain highly sought after today. For a brief period in the early 1970s the SM even featured in Citröen's rallying programme, excelling in long-distance events where its generous proportions and compliant, self-levelling suspension were positive advantages. 'Première sortie, première victoire,' Citröen proudly announced after a mildly modified (Group 4) SM had won first time out in the 1971 Moroccan Rally driven by Jean Deschaseaux/Jean Plassard. In 1972 a more extensively modified version driven by Bjorn Waldegard finished 2nd in the Portuguese TAP round but the lack of suitable events on the World Championship circuit forced the factory to turn to other models. Currently registered on German 'Historic' plates, this example has the desirable five-speed manual gearbox and currently displays a total of 75,000 kilometres on the odometer. Partly restored to original specification earlier this year, which included a repaint in its original colour, the car is described as 'good' in all departments, with 'very good' bodywork, and is said to be fully useable, everyday transport. Classic-Data's accompanying 'Oldtimer-Expertise' appraisal rates the car as Condition 2+ and in 'excellent condition', featuring new carpets, overhauled air conditioning, tinted glass windows, new tinted front screen and excellent hydraulics resulting in perfect handling and roadholding. Finished in pale green metallic with original, restored black leather interior, this fine Franco-Italian Gran Turismo is offered with valid German Fahrzeugbrief and TüV/ASU (roadworthiness/emissions test) valid until October 2011. Associant la technologie châssis de Citroën au savoir-faire de Maserati en matière de moteurs, la SM (Série Maserati) offrait une suspension hydropneumatique type DS à correction de hauteur automatique, quatre freins à disques assistés, une direction à rappel asservi et des projecteurs pivotants. Citroën avait racheté Maserati en 1968, principalement dans le but d'acquérir la technologie moteurs de la marque italienne pour sa future Grand Tourisme haut de gamme, et la marque italienne remplit sa mission avec une remarquable célérité en utilisant la solution simple consistant à supprimer deux cylindres de son moteur V8 à 90 degrés et 4 ACT Indy pour créer le V6 demandé. Après quelques essais de cotes différentes, la cylindrée de 2 670 cm3 fut adoptée pour une puissance de 170 ch. Citroën était à l'époque leader mondial en matière d'aérodynamique appliqué aux voitures de tourisme et l'excellent coefficient de traînée de la SM qui lui permit d'atteindre 225 km/h en fit la traction avant la plus rapide du monde à l'époque. L'injection fut introduite en 1972, la boîte automatique en option fut proposée l'année suivante et le moteur fut porté à 2 974 cm3 avant l'arrêt prématurée de la produ